Better communications for remote areas of Sudan are the hoped-for result of a new agreement between a number of satcoms companies.
Satellite service provider Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) has announced that it has signed a contract with Sudan-based VSAT service provider Sudasat and IP-based satellite communications company ST Engineering iDirect.
The agreement will see the installation of an ST Engineering iDirect Newtec Dialog hub that will provide internet services across Sudan on the Arabsat 6A Ka-band satellite, which was launched earlier this year by a Falcon Heavy – a partially reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle designed and manufactured by space transportation services company SpaceX.
Newtec Dialog is described as a single-service and multiservice VSAT platform that allows operators and service providers to build and adapt their infrastructure and satellite networking according to business or missions at hand.
The latest Newtec Dialog hub to be installed in Africa will enable Sudasat to enhance its broadband connectivity across the Sudanese territory, say the project partners, with the prospect of connecting many hundreds of remote sites. It will also offer Sudasat the chance to take advantage of Newtec Dialog’s multiservice capabilities in the future, enabling it to grow into other market segments such as mobility, cellular backhaul and broadcasting.
The Arabsat 6A Ka-band satellite is dedicated to connecting the Middle East and African regions. Arabsat has been serving the region with its telecommunications and broadcast services for over 40 years.